Christiancy to the commander of the Chilian forces, September 13, 1880

Mr. Christiancy to the commander of the Chilian forces.

Sir: I have just arrived from Santiago, where, in company with the American minister, Mr. Osborn, I had a full and free conference with the Government of Chili, which has accepted the mediation of the United States, in order to negotiate peace with Peru and Bolivia, I am now authorized to say that Peru accepts such mediation, and that the negotiations for peace will be immediately undertaken. When I conferred with the Government of Chili I was not authorized to say that Peru would accept the mediation of the United States, but now I am authorized to say that Peru accepts it and that the ambassadors of all the belligerents will meet for this purpose in the early days of the coming month of October.

I do not interfere, nor can I pretend to interfere, with the instructions which you may have from your government concerning the steps which you have been ordered to take, but I hope that you will appreciate my representations, and those of the government which I represent, which is equally the friend of all the belligerents, if I suggest to you that, in so far as your orders permit, it would be prudent and would contribute to obtain a speedy peace and avoid all destruction and causes of irritation which may not be rendered obligatory by the orders you have; and I permit myself to add that there is a very marked sentiment, as I know, among the ministers of the foreign governments, both here and in Santiago, against the destruction of purely private property which is not demanded by the military necessity of attacking the armed forces of the enemy and against accepting contributions from them, and especially because such destructions may be committed or such contributions imposed upon the private property which is known to belong to the citizens of friendly and neutral nations, and from which proceedings, as you will readily comprehend, may arise many complications and complaints. The government of Chili will be immediately informed that Peru has accepted the friendly mediation of the United States, and of its readiness to enter upon negotiation upon such auspices.

If I had been able, when I was in Santiago, to assure the Government of Chili of the readiness of Peru to enter upon negotiations in which Chili should take part, I would feel inclined to believe that if the Chilian expedition had been about to depart it would have been under orders somewhat modified and less severe than those which you now probably have, but I cannot ask you to adopt my opinion, and recognize entirely the fact that you must act in view of your own judgment of the circumstances and as the orders of your government demand.

Permit me to conclude by expressing to your excellency the respect and high consideration with which I subscribe myself your excellency’s friend and obedient servant,